“This, then, was the Old World on the eve of Columbus’s departure in 1492. For almost half a millennium Christians had been launching hideously destructive holy wars and massive enslavement campaigns against external enemies they viewed as carnal demons and… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“As with Hispaniola, Tenochtitlán, Cuzco, and elsewhere, the Spaniards’ mammoth destruction of whole societies generally was a by-product of conquest and native enslavement, a… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“Should Indian adults attempt to use the California courts to bring such killers to justice, they invariably were frustrated because the law of the… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“I certify to you that, with the help of God, we shall powerfully enter into your country and shall make war against you in… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“Given the shortage of women in California during these early years of white settlement, “a likely young girl” might cost almost double that of… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“Elie Wiesel is right: the road to Auschwitz was being paved in the earliest days of Christendom. But another conclusion now is equally evident:… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“And on April 30th, one month later, a royal decree was issued suspending all judicial proceedings against any criminals who would agree to ship… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“No sooner were the ships unloaded, however, than sickness broke out among the crews. It quickly spread among the natives, who had come to… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“For while those like Señor Coma of Aragon were drawing a parallel between darkness of flesh and commitment to cannibalism—while Columbus and others were… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“On the very day that Columbus finally set forth on his journey that would shake the world, the port of the city he sailed… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“For among the many things that warfare does is temporarily define the entire enemy population as superfluous, as expendable—a redefinition that must take place… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“The destruction of the Indians of the Americas was, far and away, the most massive act of genocide in the history of the world.… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
“Such brutishness was beyond the English capacity for tolerance. Especially when the vulgarians in question occupied such lovely lands. So, as they had for… — David E. Stannard Copy Share Image
